The Effect of Mobile Data Bundle Plans on Access to Online Educational Content Among Public University Students in Kenya

Abstract

The blistering internet technologies of mobile internet has transformed the accessibility of educational resources in higher education, especially in developing nations where institutional internet access is still restricted. This research evaluates how mobile data bundle plan can influence the access to online education content by students in Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU). Based on a descriptive survey design of 404 participants, the research explores the effects of daily, weekly, and monthly data plans on the capacity of the students to access digital learning materials. The results indicate that most students use daily data bundles because of the affordability although it has limitations in terms of data volume and validity. The statistical analysis shows that there is a great positive correlation between the preferences of mobile data plans and the availability of online educational material. The cost, data capacity, and validity period becomes a significant factor in the access patterns of students. The paper comes to a conclusion that mobile data bundles are flexible and more accessible, but their cost and structural constraints do not facilitate academic sustainability. It suggests student data plan subsidies and institutional arrangements with telecommunication companies to enhance equal access to online learning materials.